JP2002082824A - Information storing server, information distributing server, utilization terminal, information storing method and information restoring method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information storage/restoration system capable of easily performing storage and restoration processing of data. SOLUTION: The utilization terminal 20' of an information storage source sends local data stored in a study information part 23d and a user data part 23e and configuration information stored in a configuration information part 23f of option data to a storing server and stores these pieces of information in a meaningful information storage database 10a. The option data and main data have already been registered in the database. In the case of restoration, needed option data are extracted on the basis of the stored configuration information, and the option data, the main data and the stored local data are sent to a utilization terminal 20" that has made a restoration request. The utilization terminal 20" generates new databases 23b' to 23e' by storing the received data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information storage server, an information distribution server, a use terminal, an information storage method, and an information restoration method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art If an OS needs to be reinstalled or an application is reinstalled due to, for example, a system error in a computer, user-specific data and information accumulated by the previous use will be lost. In the application, various settings are initialized.

Therefore, the desired data is stored in another recording medium in advance, and the stored data is read by a computer as needed at a later date, so that the settings of the computer and the application and the stored data can be stored. State can be returned.

As the above-mentioned storage / restore system, there are various types such as a conventional file backup device, a restore device, and a data synchronization tool (so-called Windows briefcase).

[0005]

However, the conventional storage / restoration system has the following problems. That is, the information (data) to be stored exists independently, and the data is not ranked. As a result, the restored data is overwritten collectively. For this reason, for example, it has been difficult to integrate data obtained by restoration and original data, and to use the data comprehensively.

In particular, when restoring stored data and storing it in another computer (use terminal), the data is not integrated with the original information (data).
It is not preferable that the information is stored by the overwriting method, because the information accumulated by using the other use terminal is lost.

According to the present invention, unique local data (meaningful information: for example, learning information and user data in the embodiment) possessed by a use terminal is acquired from the use terminal together with configuration information of option data and stored. Every
It is an object of the present invention to integrate with existing data when incorporating the same data into the same or another use terminal, and to construct a new user-friendly database on the use terminal at the restoration destination. In addition, the option data is not acquired from the user terminal when it is stored, but it is distributed together with the option data when it is restored, making it unnecessary to acquire the necessary option data. And

[0008]

An information storage method according to the present invention is a storage method in an information storage server, including main data, incorporating optional data to assist the main data, and one or more minimum functions. A processing step of receiving the configuration information of the option data and the local data from a user terminal having a database that allows the incorporation of local data to which priority is added to the minimum function unit while being configured from units. , And a processing step of storing the received configuration information and the local data in a storage database.

[0009] An information storage server suitable for carrying out the method includes a main data, an option data for assisting the main data, and a use database provided with a database which allows the incorporation of local data specific to the terminal used. An information storage server that stores the local data in response to a storage request from a terminal, wherein the local data is composed of one or more minimum function units, and a priority is added to the minimum function unit The storage device is configured to acquire the local data sent together with a storage request from the use terminal and the configuration information of the option data, and store the obtained information in a storage database. By implementing this information storage server, the information storage method can be implemented.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided charging processing means for performing a predetermined charging processing when the storage processing by the storage means in the storage database is completed. Needless to say, the billing processing means for executing this billing process need not always be provided.

[0011] Further, the use terminal according to the present invention is a use terminal including main data, option data for assisting the main data, and a database for allowing the incorporation of local data unique to the use terminal. And
The local data is composed of one or a plurality of minimum function units, and a priority is added to the minimum function unit, and local data extraction means for extracting the predetermined local data stored in the database Configuration information extracting means for extracting the configuration information of the option data, and means for supplying the local data extraction means and the local data and the configuration information extracted by the configuration information extraction means to an information storage server. Prepare and configure.

Further, an information storage system according to the present invention includes the above-mentioned information storage server and the above-mentioned use terminal, and obtains the local data obtained according to a storage request sent from the above-mentioned use terminal to the above-mentioned information storage server. And the configuration information is stored and stored in the information storage database.

In the embodiment, the "information storage server" is realized by the "data storage device 10 '". In addition, “use terminal” is “use terminal 2 of information storage source”.
0 '". Further, the "database" corresponds to the "meaningful information storage database 20a" in the embodiment, and the "storage database" corresponds to the "meaningful information storage database 10a" in the embodiment. And
The means for supplying to the information storage server is realized by the communication unit 20b when supplying via a communication network, and when supplying using a recording medium, writing data to the recording medium. Implemented by the device.

The "minimum functional unit" is a unit that functions independently. As an example, in the case of a dictionary, it is one word (part of speech) unit. The minimum functional units are independent of each other and each has a priority. Therefore, the case where the priority is not added does not correspond to the present invention. Also, such as “music distribution data” or “image distribution data”, as in one piece of music or one image, it does not make sense to use a single piece of data. It does not cover a configuration having one configuration. In addition, for example, as in the case of patch software for application upgrade, it is meaningful only by associating it with other optional data. Items for which the order is not taken into account do not correspond to the option data referred to in the present invention.

[0015] It should be noted that, even in the case of the image distribution data and the music distribution data described above, unlike the related art, they are distributed in a state where priority is added, and the local data is integrated and used with other data in consideration of the priority. If it is data, it can be an object of the present invention.

On the other hand, the information restoring method according to the present invention is a restoring method in an information distribution server, which includes main data, includes optional data for assisting the main data, and one or a plurality of minimum function units. A processing step of receiving a restoration request from a user terminal having a database that allows the incorporation of local data with priority added to the minimum function unit;
Upon receiving the restoration request, the storage device includes local data stored according to a storage request from a certain terminal and configuration information of the option data, and accesses a storage database in which the option data is stored and held. A processing step of extracting the local data stored in a database, a processing step of determining necessary option data from the configuration information stored in the storage database, and extracting the determined option data from the storage database; A process for supplying the extracted local data and the option data to the use terminal is executed.

Here, the user terminal that has made a restoration request and a user terminal that has stored data to be restored may be the same or different. In particular, in the case of the same, a backup function can be realized by saving and restoring.

The distribution server suitable for carrying out the above-described restoration method includes a main data, an option data for assisting the main data, and a database permitting the incorporation of local data unique to the use terminal. An information storage server that distributes predetermined information stored in a storage database to the user terminal in response to a restoration request from the user terminal, wherein the local data includes one or a plurality of minimum function units. Priority is added to the minimum function unit, and the storage database includes local data stored according to a storage request from a certain terminal and configuration information of option data, and includes Data is stored and stored, and the stored data is stored in accordance with a restoration request from the use terminal. Means for extracting the local data stored in the storage database, means for determining necessary option data from the configuration information stored in the storage database, and means for extracting the determined option data from the storage database. A means for supplying the extracted local data and the option data to the use terminal can be provided.

As one embodiment of the present invention, the storage database may also store and hold main data, and have a function of distributing the main data at the time of the distribution. Of course, the function of distributing and restoring the main data may not be provided.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment, the system is provided with a billing processing unit for executing the billing process by regarding the completion of the distribution by receiving the incorporation completion information sent from the use terminal. In this manner, by charging after waiting for the completion notification of the incorporation, it is possible to reliably deliver desired information to the user terminal and to charge only when the information is restored. Of course, this billing unit is not an essential component.

Further, the use terminal according to the present invention for performing the restoration process includes an option data which includes the main data and assists the main data, and a database which allows the incorporation of local data specific to the use terminal. A user terminal, wherein the local data is composed of one or more minimum function units, and a priority is added to the minimum function unit, and a predetermined local data is restored to the information distribution server. Restoration request means for issuing a request, and a function of acquiring the local data and the option data supplied from the information distribution server in accordance with the restoration request, and incorporating each acquired data into the database in consideration of the priority. It is to prepare.

According to the present invention, since the local data to be distributed and restored is configured separately for each minimum function, registration in the database can be performed for each minimum function. Since a priority is added to each minimum function unit, data can be registered at a predetermined position based on the priority.

Further, at the time of storage, the configuration information of the option data (not the option data itself) and the local data are supplied to the information storage server and stored in the storage database. This storage database stores option data separately. Then, at the time of the restoration processing, the actual option data is extracted based on the configuration information and distributed together with the stored local data.

Therefore, when the storage processing and the restoration processing are performed by the same user terminal, the transmission data capacity for the storage is small, and the option data is also delivered at the time of the restoration. No need to collect. Therefore, for example, when data is reinstalled due to destruction of data, it can be effectively used. Of course, the use form is not limited to the case where the storage and the restoration are performed using the same use terminal as described above. Even in the case of restoring to another use terminal, the use terminal that makes the restoration request is,
Necessary option data is also supplied simply by designating local data, so that it is not necessary to acquire option data one by one, which is preferable.

Furthermore, if the main data is also distributed, the database on the user terminal side can be reconstructed. Therefore, if the system itself containing the main data is destroyed on the user terminal side, it can be easily restored. It is preferable because it is possible.

Further, the information storage server and the information distribution server do not need to store redundantly the option data having the same data contents when receiving a storage request from a plurality of use terminals. It is preferable in terms of reduction of the amount.

The incorporation in consideration of the priority in the use terminal is determined for each of the minimum function units, and the same minimum function unit as the distributed minimum processing unit is registered in the database. In such a case, it is more preferable to include a process of registering the minimum function unit distributed to the database on condition that the priority is high.

Further, in the information restoration system of the present invention,
Including the above information distribution server and the above use terminal,
According to a restoration request sent from the use terminal to the information distribution server, the information distribution server distributes predetermined option data and local data to the use terminal, and the received use terminal receives the distribution. Can be configured to store the data in its own database.

The storage request to the information storage server (the supply of local data and configuration information) and the distribution to the user terminal are:
It can be done online or offline. Also, the storage request and the medium at the time of distribution processing may be a transmission medium like a communication network or an information recording medium,
Various types can be used. And preferably, it is performed via a communication network. By using the communication network in this way, it is possible to automatically perform each processing associated with a storage request from a user terminal and each processing based on a restoration request.

Further, the information recording medium of the present invention includes main data, and is used for distributing to a user terminal equipped with a database that allows the incorporation of option data for assisting the main data and the incorporation of local data. A computer-readable information recording medium recording restoration data, wherein the restoration data includes option data generated according to configuration information and the local data, wherein the local data has one or more minimum functions. Each of the minimum function units is stored with a priority added. This information recording medium is realized by the electronic medium 31 in the embodiment.

Further, the data according to the present invention includes main data, and the option for distributing to a user terminal having a database that allows the incorporation of option data for assisting the main data and the incorporation of local data. Data and the local data, wherein the local data is constructed by one or a plurality of minimum function units, and a priority is added to each of the minimum function units, and the computer data can be processed by software data. It was made to consist of.

The term "computer" used here refers not only to a general-purpose arithmetic device such as a personal computer, but also to an arithmetic processing unit such as a one-chip microcomputer, a CPU, or an MPU, such as a portable terminal such as a mobile phone or a PDA. Including equipment. As described above, by using software data or an electronic medium, option data can be easily incorporated and used in a destination terminal (computer).

The components described above of the present invention can be combined as much as possible. Each means constituting the information distribution server, the information storage server, and the use terminal according to the present invention can be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit, or can be realized by a programmed computer. The information distribution method and the database update method according to the present invention can be realized by software (program) for operating a computer or by a dedicated hardware circuit. * Definition of terms "Local data" is unique and meaningful meaning information that is generated and changes with the use of a user terminal. In the embodiment, there are two types of learning information and user data, and only one of them may be used. In addition, the name is not restricted to these learning information and user data. Then, the local data is stored in a database of the use terminal (in the embodiment, a “meaningful information storage database”).

[0034]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, an example of a data storage / distribution system as a premise of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a data storage device 10 ′ (also referred to as a “storage server”) that receives and manages stored data, and a data distribution device 10 ″ (“distribution server”) that distributes the stored data ").
Then, a user terminal 20 that transmits and receives data to and from the data storage device 10 ′ and the data distribution device 10 ″ is connected via a communication network 30.

In this embodiment, the data (storage data) of a certain terminal (information storage source terminal) 20 ′ connected to the communication network 30 is stored, and the stored data is stored in another terminal (information restoration). A description will be given of a case where the data is restored to the use terminal 20 ′ of the storage source. In other words, the data of the use terminal 20 ′ is originally backed up for backup. It may be stored and restored to its use terminal 20 'if necessary, and may be restored to another use terminal 20 "during this storage. In addition,
In the following description, when it is not necessary to particularly distinguish the information storage source and the information restoration destination use terminal, they are denoted by reference numeral 20.

The use terminal 20 includes a general-purpose processing terminal such as a personal computer and a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), and a wireless communication terminal such as a mobile phone and a PDA with a communication function. This wireless communication terminal may be considered as a mobile terminal.

"Data" (also referred to as "stored data" and "restored data") is meaningful information that is meaningful to be stored and restored in the use terminal 20, and this data is stored in the use terminal. 20 is stored in a meaningful information storage database 20a provided in the server 20. In other words, the information storage source use terminal 20 ′ stores data (storage data) that is meaningful information meaningful to the use terminal 20 ′,
The delivered data (restored data) is stored in the use terminal 20 ″ of the information restoration destination. Therefore, the delivered information, the learning history, and the like are stored in the meaningful information storage database 20a according to the use purpose of the use terminal. Data registered by the user is stored.

Then, the information storage source use terminal 20 'makes a request for storing the desired data stored therein to the data storage device 10', and uses the storage system. I have.

Further, the use terminal 20 ″ of the information restoration destination sends a request for restoring desired data to the data distribution device 1.
0 ", and the distribution system is used. Then, the distributed information (restored data)
Is the meaningful information storage database 2 in the use terminal 20 ″.
0a, and can be used by being integrated with other information already stored. Specific integration processing will be described later.

The data storage device 10 'acquires and stores and manages data stored in the information storage source use terminal 20' in response to a request. The acquired shared data is stored in the meaningful information storage database 10.
a.

Further, the data distribution device 10 "transmits data stored in the meaningful information storage database 10a stored in the data storage device 10 'to the use terminal 20" as the information restoration destination.

Further, in this embodiment, the server stores the data, and collects (charges) a usage fee from the user as a consideration for a service distributed for restoration upon request. Therefore, a charging information storage database 35 is provided, and data such as a storage source, storage contents, storage date and time, etc. are registered as information for collecting usage fees accompanying storage of meaningful information. Note that the charging information storage database 3
5 may or may not be present.

The data storage device 10 ', the data distribution device 10 ", the meaningful information storage database 10a, and the charging information storage database 35 may be constituted by separate devices, respectively, or two or all optional devices. If the meaningful information storage database 10a and / or the billing information storage database 35 are formed of different devices, the data storage device 10 'or the data distribution device may be used. It may be connected directly as a 10 ″ external storage device, or may be connected via various communication networks such as the Internet and an intranet. Also, when the data storage device 10 'and the data distribution device 10 "are composed of different devices, they may be directly connected by a cable, or may be connected via various communication networks such as the Internet, an intranet, and a LAN. You may comprise so that it may be connected.

The communication network 30 is a network for exchanging data, and can use various communication media (transmission media) such as a public line, the Internet, and an intranet. The storage / distribution data is information that is stored / distributed according to the purpose of use of the user terminal (user), and information is normally distributed via the communication network 30. However, in the present invention, information is stored and / or distributed via an electronic medium 31 such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, MO, compact disk recorder (CD-R), or digital video disk (DVD). Is also good.

Next, a flow of a series of processing of this system will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, in the information storage system, first, a user M transmits necessary information (storage data) to a user terminal 20 '. Request storage (). Then, the use terminal 20 ′ as the information storage source extracts the specified meaningful information (storage data) to be stored from its own meaningful information storage database 20 a, and stores it in the storage server (data storage device) 1.
A storage request for the information is sent to 0 ′ ().

The data storage device 1 receiving the storage request
0 'stores the meaningful information (storage data) received from the use terminal 20' in the meaningful information storage database 10a (). And the meaningful information storage database 1
When the storage process for storing the data in the storage device 0a is completed, a storage completion notification is received ().

Next, the data storage device 10 ′ that has received the storage completion notification issues a charging request to the charging information storage database 35 (). That is, the information for specifying the terminal of use of the storage source, the content of the stored data (data type and capacity, etc.), the storage date and time, and the like are registered. Then, when the registration in the charging information storage database 35 is completed (), the data storage device 10 ′ issues a storage completion notification to the information storage source usage terminal 20 ′ that has received the storage request (). . Then, the user terminal 10 ′ of the information storage receiving the notification notifies the user of the completion of storage (),
A series of storage processing ends. It should be noted that the storage completion notification to the user M can be performed by, for example, displaying a completion message on the display unit of the use terminal 20 '. The charging information storage database 35 does not necessarily need to be provided. Database 3
In the case where there is no data file 5, the data storage device 10 'stores the data in the meaningful information storage database 10a.
The storage completion notification is sent to the use terminal 20 'of the information storage source.

As shown in FIG. 1, the storage data may be supplied via the communication network 30 or may be transferred to the data storage device 10 'via the electronic medium 31. Of course, there is also a case where both the communication network 30 and the electronic medium 31 are used for delivery.

On the other hand, an information restoration system for restoring data stored as described above is as shown in FIG. The meaningful information storage database 10a has already stored meaningful information according to a storage request from a user.

Then, the user M who wants to restore the stored data makes a request for restoring data of necessary information (data) to the user terminal 20 ″ (). The use terminal 20 ″ sends a restoration request for the information specified by the user to the distribution server (data distribution device) 10 ″ ().

The data distribution device 1 receiving the restoration request
0 "accesses the meaningful information storage database 10a and searches for the relevant meaningful information (data) ().
Then, if the relevant meaningful information is extracted (),
The extracted information (restoration data) is delivered to the requested information restoration destination use terminal 20 ″ ().

The user terminal 20 "that has received the distribution stores the received information (restored data) in its own meaningful information storage database 20a, sends a distribution completion notification to the data distribution device 10", and sends the notification to the user. A restoration completion notice is also issued (). The restoration completion notification to the user M can be made by, for example, displaying a completion message on the display unit of the use terminal 20 ″.

Next, the data distribution device 10 ″ that has received the distribution completion notification issues a charging request to the charging information storage database 35 (). And the distribution date and time, etc. Then, when the registration in the charging information storage database 35 is completed (), a series of information restoration systems is terminated. If the charging information storage database 35 does not exist, the process is terminated upon receipt of the distribution completion notification sent from the use terminal 20 ″.

In the above example, the restoration completion notification to the user is made by distributing the information.
If charging is involved, a completion notification is issued from the data distribution apparatus 10 "to the information recovery destination usage terminal 20" upon completion of the charging, and the usage terminal 20 "is transmitted to the user on condition that the completion notification is received. A notification of completion may be issued to M.

As shown in FIG. 2, distribution data may be supplied via the communication network 30 or may be delivered to the data storage device 10 'via the electronic medium 31. Of course, there is also a case where both the communication network 30 and the electronic medium 31 are used for delivery.

Next, each part will be described. User terminal 20
Has a software structure as shown in FIG.
That is, the operating system on the use terminal 20
The (OS) 21 includes one or a plurality of application softwares 22a, 22b,. One or a plurality of application softwares 22a and 22b can be simultaneously driven.

Here, the “application software” is software necessary for achieving the purpose of use of the use terminal 20. For example, when the user terminal is a personal computer, the application software includes word processor software and spreadsheet software. When the use terminal 20 is a mobile phone, a dialer, a telephone directory, mail software (mailer), and the like are used.

The use terminal 20 is also provided with use purpose auxiliary software 23 as auxiliary software for the application software 22a, 22b. The “use purpose auxiliary software 23” is different from software (the above-described application softwares 22a and 22b) necessary to achieve the use purpose of the use terminal 20, and improves the convenience of the application softwares 22a and 22b. Software for For example, if the application software is a word processor or mail software, there are dictionaries and spell checkers. Further, the use purpose auxiliary software 23 is not limited to the text-based software as described above, and can be applied to software that handles various forms such as image data, such as image display software that can be edited and processed. .

Further, the electronic data distributed via the communication network 30 is taken into the use purpose auxiliary software 23 via the communication interface 24. Similarly, the information distributed via the electronic medium 31 is taken into the use purpose auxiliary software 23 via the I / O device 25 capable of reading the data of the electronic medium 31.

As shown in FIG. 6, the use purpose auxiliary software 23 comprises a use purpose auxiliary software driving section 23a, a main data section 23b, an option data section 23c, a learning information section 23d, and a user data section 23e. .

Here, the use purpose auxiliary software driving unit 23a
Are the main data section 23b and the option data section 23
c, a part for achieving the function of assisting the purpose of use by using each data of the learning information part 23d and the user data part 23e. If the use purpose auxiliary software 23 is a dictionary, there is a function of extracting kanji corresponding to the requested reading, reordering the kanji in a predetermined order, and responding. Further, if the purpose-of-use auxiliary software is image display software, there is a function of processing and displaying image data.

The main data section 23b is essential data necessary for supporting the purpose of use. If the use purpose auxiliary software 23 is a dictionary, it is the minimum necessary system dictionary data expected to be used by many people.

The option data section 23c is data that can be freely added, exchanged, or deleted to the main data section 23b later to assist the purpose of use. Assuming that the use purpose auxiliary software 23 is a dictionary, it is dictionary data such as a personal name dictionary, a place name dictionary, a dictionary in a specific technical field, etc., which is determined by the user as to whether it is necessary. This option data part 23
c may not be in the initial state. Of course, it may be registered from the beginning.

The learning information section 23d is a section for storing the usage history of the user. When the usage purpose auxiliary software 23 is a dictionary, the use frequency of each word stored in the dictionary is registered. The learning information section 23d may not be in the initial state. Of course, it may be registered from the beginning.

The user data section 23e is a data area that can be used freely by the user (user). For example, when a user adds new data, it is stored in this area. That is, if the usage purpose auxiliary software 23 is a dictionary, the new words created by the user
e. The user data section 23e may not be in the initial state. Of course, it may be registered from the beginning.

As is clear from the above, the learning information section 23
The data d and the user data section 23e are accumulated as the user uses the use terminal 20, and change depending on the use situation of the user. Then, the content of the learning information unit 23d is automatically updated according to the usage history of the usage terminal 20.
Further, the content of the user data section 23e is updated in response to a user's intentional input such as new word registration.

Further, in this embodiment, a configuration information section 23f is provided. The configuration information section 23f stores configuration information such as configuration information of the option data section (what option data is possessed) and addition history of the option data section (when each option data was added). You. Specifically, when the option data is an extended dictionary, for example, there are names that specify the option data, such as “place name dictionary”, “historical person name dictionary”, and “zip code dictionary”.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the data used by the use purpose auxiliary software 23 is stored and distributed. More specifically, regarding the storage of data, the use terminal 2 of the information storage source
The learning information unique to the use terminal, the user data, and the option data configuration information D are extracted from the meaningful information storage database inside 0 ′, and the meaningful information storage database 1 is obtained.
0a and stored.

On the other hand, the information distribution is performed by using the stored meaningful information (local data: learning information + user data) and the option data configuration information, and by using the learning information in the meaningful information storage database of the terminal to which the information is to be restored. Section 23d, user data section 23e, option data section 2
3c and the main data section 23b are also incorporated with information to generate a new meaningful information storage database. In other words, meaningful information that is user-specific data uses data that has been stored in advance, and standard data such as option data is extracted based on configuration information, and the user-specific data (local data) is extracted. ) And fixed data are distributed together as restored data D '. It should be noted that the fixed data is not stored from the use terminal but is stored in the data distribution device 10 ″ or the like in advance.

As a method of storing the actual information (restored data) D 'at the destination, the information may be directly stored in a predetermined area in each storage unit in the use terminal 20 ", or may be temporarily stored in another area. After storing, it may be integrated with existing meaningful information (data) or the like.

It is to be noted that, although the main data section 23b, option data section 23c, learning information section 23d, and user data section 23e are associated with the distribution of the restored data, the distributed information (restored data) D 'is added. Alternatively, new information (restored data) and existing information may be integrated to form a new main data section 23b ', option data section 23c', learning information section 23d ', and user data section 23.
It may be considered that e 'has been generated (updated). The data to be distributed does not have to include the main data.

Next, the internal structure of the data storage / distribution apparatus 10 for storing / distributing the data and the use terminal 20 will be described. The hardware configuration is the same for both the data storage device 10 'and the data distribution device 10 ", as shown in FIG.

As shown in the figure, a communication unit 10b is connected to a communication network 30 such as a network and controls communication with the network (communication network) 30.
b, data can be transmitted / received to / from a user terminal connected to the communication network 30.

When data (including various requests) is transmitted from the use terminal 20, the user authentication unit 10c determines whether or not the user terminal 20 is a legitimate use terminal. In addition, the user authentication unit 10c has a function of performing authentication with the network 30 and authentication of database management. That is, the operator can update the storage contents of the meaningful information storage database 10a via the MM input / output unit (man-machine interface) 10d. Thus, the user authentication unit 10c determines whether the operator is a legitimate person (authentication).

The MM input / output unit 10d has an input / output function with the outside and is used by an operator of the system for input / output. The input device is, for example, a keyboard, a numeric keypad, a mouse, or the like. Any type of input device can be used as long as the input from the operator is transmitted to the system. Also,
Output devices include, for example, displays, printers,
Any type can be used as long as it is a speaker or the like and can transmit information from the system to the operator.

Further, the data storage / distribution device 10 includes an arithmetic unit 10 having an arithmetic function for driving and processing each function.
e, and a database management unit 10f for managing various data structures and data entities. The data in the meaningful information storage database 10a and the billing information storage database 35 is read and written via the database management unit 10f. In the charging information management database 35, data necessary for charging, for example,
The use date and time, the use terminal name, the user name, the distribution data name, and the like are stored.

The meaningful information storage database is used in the same manner as a meaningful information storage area for storing meaningful information (learning information + user data), which is storage data sent from the information storage source use terminal. An area for storing configuration information of option data, which is storage data sent from the terminal, an area for storing main data and option data that each use terminal will have, and a storage area for the data storage / distribution device 10 There is an area where data (other data) is stored.

Further, the data storage / distribution device 10 includes a program unit 10g. The program unit 10g stores a program necessary for achieving the purpose of use of the data storage / distribution device 10. In the context of the present invention, the program unit 10g is transmitted from the information storage source user terminal 20 '. Based on a storage request for meaningful information (storage data), a program for storing received data, extracting necessary decrypted data based on a distribution request, and executing a distribution process is stored.

The processing units 10b to 10b
g is connected via a bus. The hardware configuration is almost the same as that of a conventional server.

On the other hand, a hardware configuration diagram of the use terminal 20 is as shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, a data transmission device connected to a communication network 30 such as a network, and having a communication unit 20b for controlling communication with the network, and connected to the communication network 30 via the communication unit 20b Data can be sent to and received from

The use terminal 20 also has a user authentication unit 20c, and has a function of performing authentication with a network (communication network) 30 and authentication of database management.
That is, the user can update the storage contents of the user data unit 23e and other databases via the MM input / output unit (man-machine interface) 20d. Therefore, the user authentication unit 20c determines whether the user is a legitimate person (authentication).

The MM input / output unit 20d has an input / output function with the outside and is used when a user inputs / outputs. As the input device, for example, a keyboard, a numeric keypad,
A mouse or the like is applicable, and any type can be used as long as a user's input is transmitted to the system. The output device may be, for example, a display, a printer, a speaker, or the like, and may be of any type as long as information can be transmitted from the system to the user.

Further, the usage terminal 20 drives each function.
An arithmetic unit 20e having an arithmetic function for processing and a database management unit 20f for managing various data structures and data entities are provided. The data in the meaningful information storage database 20a is read and written via the database management unit 20f. The "other data" in the meaningful information storage database 20a stores data necessary for achieving the purpose of use of the use terminal 20.

Further, the use terminal 20 has a program section 20g. The program unit 20g stores a program necessary for achieving the purpose of use of the use terminal 20, and stores, for example, application software for executing call processing, document creation, and the like. Further, in the context of the present invention, for example, the application software 22a, 22b and the use purpose auxiliary software 23 shown in FIG. 5 are stored in the program unit 20g. Further, a program for performing each processing such as a request for storing and restoring meaningful information (data) and a storage of restored meaningful information and option data that have been distributed is also stored in the program unit 20g.

The processing units 20b to 20b
g is connected via a bus. The hardware configuration is almost the same as that of a conventional server.

The main processing functions for realizing the information storage system and the information restoration system performed between the data storage / distribution device 10 and the use terminal 20 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 are extracted and shown. 11 and FIG.
FIG. 11 shows the information storage system, and the data storage device 1
The relationship between 0 'and the information storage source use terminal 20' is shown. FIG. 12 shows an information restoration system, which shows the relationship between the data distribution device 10 "and the use destination terminal 20" of the information restoration destination.

That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the MM input / output unit 20d for receiving the information (meaningful information) storage request from the user is used on the information storage source use terminal 20 'side.
(Particularly, an input function), a communication unit 20b for transmitting and receiving data, and a program unit 20g.

The program section 20g is provided with a meaningful information storage request section 20h receiving a request from the MM input / output section 20d.
Gives the acquisition command of the information necessary to execute the storage request to the meaningful information search unit 20i and the option data configuration information search unit 20j. Meaningful information search unit 20i
Accesses the meaningful information storage database 20a,
Search the requested meaningful information. Then, based on the search result, the next-stage meaningful information extracting unit 20k extracts the relevant meaningful information (learning information + user data), and passes it to the communication unit 20b. On the other hand, the option data configuration information search unit 20j accesses the meaningful information storage database 20a (configuration information unit 23f) and searches for option data information. Then, based on the search result, the next-stage option data configuration information extraction unit 20L extracts the corresponding option data configuration information and passes it to the communication unit 20b. Then, the communication unit 20b sends the received meaningful information and option data configuration information to the data storage device 10 '.

On the other hand, the data storage device 10 ′ is a communication unit 10 for transmitting and receiving data to and from each of the use terminals 20.
b and a program unit 10g. Program part 10
g receives the meaningful information sent together with the storage request from the use terminal 10 ', and is sent with the storage request from the use terminal 10' and the meaningful information storage unit 10i stored in the meaningful information storage database 10a. Option data configuration information storage unit 10 that receives option data configuration information and stores it in meaningful information storage database 10a
j.

As shown in FIG. 12, an information restoration destination user terminal 20 ″ constructing an information restoration system has an M for receiving a request for information (meaningful information) restoration from a user.
An M input / output unit 20d (particularly, an input function), a communication unit 20b for transmitting and receiving data, and a program unit 20g are provided. This basic configuration is based on the use terminal 20 'of the information storage source.
Is the same as

The specific function in the program section 20g is different in the use terminal 20 ″ of the information restoration destination. That is, the MM input / output section 20d is provided in the program section 20g.
And a meaningful information restoration request unit 20m that sends a restoration request (delivery request) to the data distribution device 10 ″ via the communication unit 20b in response to the restoration request from the data distribution device 1
The meaningful information (learning information + user data) sent from 0 ″ is incorporated in a predetermined area in the meaningful information storage database 20a, and the data stored in the existing learning information part 23d and the user data part 23e are combined. And the option data transmitted from the data distribution device 10 ″ in a predetermined area (the option data section 23) in the meaning information storage database 20a.
c and an optional data incorporation unit 20p to be stored in the main data unit 23b).

[0092] The data distribution apparatus 10 "includes a communication unit 10b for transmitting and receiving data to and from each of the use terminals 20, and a program unit 10g. The program unit 10g is connected via the communication unit 10b. Based on the received restoration request, the restoration information retrieval unit 10m gives an acquisition command of information necessary for executing the restoration request to the option data configuration information analysis unit 10n and the meaningful information extraction unit 10p.

The meaningful information extracting unit 10p accesses the meaningful information storage database 10a, extracts designated meaningful information (learning information + user data), and
pass to b. On the other hand, the option data configuration information analysis unit 10
n accesses the meaningful information storage database 10a, acquires the configuration information of the option data relating to the specified restoration data, analyzes the type of the option data to be used, and analyzes the analysis result as an option data extraction unit 10q.
Pass to. Then, the option data extracting unit 10q accesses the meaningful information storage database 10a based on the received analysis result, extracts necessary option data from a large number of stored option data, and transfers the extracted option data to the communication unit 10b. Further, main data may be extracted as needed. Then, the communication unit 20b transmits the received meaningful information, option data, and the like to the use destination terminal 10 ″ of the information restoration destination that has issued the restoration request.

As described above, the data storage device 10 'and the data distribution device 10 "may be realized by the same device, as described above. 11 and 12 may be incorporated in a single terminal 20. Of course, if it is clear that only one function is used, In addition, a user terminal incorporating the two functions of the information storage source and the information restoration destination can also receive and distribute data stored by another user terminal and restore it. In addition, the data stored by the user can be distributed and restored later, and in the latter case, the backup function is realized through a separately provided server.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the meaningful information to be distributed is composed of one “minimum function unit” or a minimum function unit group including a plurality of “minimum function units”. The “minimum functional unit” is a unit that functions independently. For example, in the case of a dictionary, it is a single word (part of speech) unit. The minimum functional units are independent of each other and each has a priority.

Therefore, when data of a plurality of minimum function units are stored in the learning information section 23d or the user data section 23e, the data are sorted according to their priorities, and the higher the priority, the easier to use. . Although the priority is set to an appropriate value in the initial state, it changes according to the use situation.

Therefore, for example, when the data of each minimum function unit is arranged in the order as shown in FIG. 14A in the initial state, the priority is changed by taking the usage history into consideration. The order is different from that in the initial state, as shown in FIG. Furthermore, since it is managed for each minimum function unit,
If data of one or more minimum function units is added after receiving a new data distribution, see the priority,
It will be inserted at an appropriate position (see FIG. 3C).

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
Not only user data but also main data and option data are managed in minimum function units, and priorities are added to each. Therefore, the priority can be determined not only by comparing the priorities in the user data section 23e but also by checking the priorities with other data. That is, the main data, the option data, and the user data can be collectively managed.

In the meaningful information in this embodiment, the user data stored in the user data section 23e is data created and registered by the user. Also, the learning information section 23
The learning information stored in d becomes priority information updated according to the frequency of use of the main data and the option data.

Next, the functions of the program sections 10g and 20g will be described while explaining the operation of the information storage / restoration system with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIG. First,
When receiving data storage, the user operates the MM input / output unit 20d of the user terminal 20 'of the information storage source to specify meaningful information to be stored and make a storage request. Therefore, in the meaningful information storage request unit 20h of the program 20g, the MM
It is determined whether or not an instruction for the meaningful information storage request processing has been given from the input / output unit 20d (ST1). And
In the case other than the storage request, a corresponding predetermined process is executed (ST2), and the next input is waited.

On the other hand, when there is a meaningful information storage request, the contents of the request are passed to the meaningful information storage request unit 20h. Then, the meaningful information search unit 20i searches the meaningful information storage database 20a (the learning information unit 23d and the user data unit 23e) for the relevant meaningful information (S
T3). Then, based on the search result, the meaningful information extracting unit 20k extracts desired meaningful information and passes it to the communication unit 20b (ST4).

Also, the option data configuration information search unit 2
0j searches the meaning information storage database 20a (configuration information section 23f) for configuration information of the corresponding option data (ST5). Then, based on the search result, the option data configuration information extraction unit 20L extracts desired option data configuration information and passes it to the communication unit 20b (ST
6).

In the above description, search / extraction processing of meaningful information is performed first, and then search / extraction processing of configuration information of option data is performed.
The order may be reversed or parallel processing may be performed. Also, the configuration information of the option data is not provided and stored in advance in the configuration information unit 23f.
j may access the option data section and generate configuration information of the option data.

Then, the meaningful information and the configuration information of the option data obtained by executing each of the above-described processing steps are transmitted to the data storage device 10 'by the communication unit 20b. That is, together with the above-described information, transmission destination information (address of the data storage device) and transmission source information (information for authenticating that the user is a legitimate user such as an address of a use terminal and an ID number), , And creates and outputs transmission data including data indicating a storage request.

On the other hand, when the data storage device 10 'receives a storage request from the use terminal 20', the data storage device 10 '
After confirming that the request is a request (storage request) from an authorized terminal, the information acquired by the meaningful information storage unit 10i and the option data configuration information storage unit 10j is stored in the meaningful information storage database 10a (ST8). ). Each storage unit 1
When the storage processing (storage in the database) is completed, 0i and 10j issue a completion notification, and the communication unit 10b returns this completion notification to the use terminal 20 'as the information storage source (ST).
9).

The use terminal 20 ', which has received the completion notification via the communication unit 20b, outputs a message or the like indicating the completion to an output device (display or the like) of the MM input / output unit 20d. End the processing (ST1
0).

Next, in the case of performing restoration processing upon receiving data distribution, as shown in FIG. 17, the user operates the MM input / output unit 20d of the user terminal 20 ″ of the information restoration destination to restore the data. Therefore, the meaning request information restoration request unit 20m of the program unit 20g specifies
It is determined whether or not an instruction for the meaningful information restoration request processing has been given from the MM input / output unit 20d (ST11). If the request is other than the restoration request, a corresponding predetermined process is executed (ST12), and the next input is waited for. On the other hand, when there is a request for restoring meaningful information, the request is transmitted to the data distribution apparatus 10 ″ via the communication unit 20b (ST13).

On the other hand, the data distribution device 1 receiving the restoration request
0 "means that the meaningful information extracting unit 10p accesses the meaningful information storage database 10a (meaningful information storage area), searches for and extracts the relevant meaningful information (learning information + user data), and extracts it. 10b (ST1
4, ST16).

The option data configuration information analyzer 1
0n searches the meaningful information storage database 10a (option data configuration information storage area) for configuration information of the corresponding option data (ST16). Then, based on the search result, the option data extraction unit 10q extracts the option data listed in the configuration information from the meaningful information storage database 10a (storage area for option data) and passes it to the communication unit 10b (ST1).
7).

The meaningful information and option data obtained by executing the above-described processing steps are transmitted to the communication unit 1.
0b, the user terminal 20 ″ of the information restoration destination requested to be restored.
(ST18).

The distributed meaning information and option data are transferred to the meaning information embedding unit 20 via the communication unit 20b.
n, given to the option data embedding unit 20p, and if there is desired data,
0a is incorporated with meaningful information and the like (ST1).
9, ST21). If there is no desired data,
This is output to an output device (display or the like) of the MM input / output unit 20d (ST20).

The process of incorporating meaningful information and the like shown in step 21 is specifically executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, data is incorporated for each minimum function unit.

Specifically, one minimum function unit is obtained from the meaningful information (minimum function unit group) obtained by distribution (ST31). Since data is also stored for each minimum function unit in the main data unit 23b in which common / standard data is stored, the same data as the minimum function unit to be processed is registered in the main data unit 23b. It is determined whether or not there is (ST32). If it does not exist in the main data section 23b, it is determined whether or not the same minimum function unit has already been registered in the meaningful information storage section (learning information section 23d + user data section 23e) (ST33). .

If the data is not registered in the meaningful information storage unit, it is new data, so the minimum function unit to be processed is added to a predetermined storage area of the meaningful information storage unit (ST34).

Then, it is determined whether or not unprocessed minimum function units remain in the distributed meaningful information (ST).
35). If there is any remaining, the process returns to step 31 via step 38, and shifts to processing for the next distributed minimum function unit (ST38).

On the other hand, in any of steps 32 and 33, Y
es, that is, when the same minimum function unit has already been registered in any of the main data unit 23b and the meaningful information storage unit, the priority of the already registered minimum function unit,
The priorities of the distributed minimum function units are compared (ST3).
7).

If the priority of the distributed minimum function unit is higher, the process jumps to step S34.
The minimum function unit to be processed is added to the meaningful information storage unit (ST34).

On the contrary, if the priority of the distributed minimum function unit is lower, the minimum function unit acquired this time is not used. Then, the process proceeds to step S38, in which the process proceeds to the process for the next distributed minimum function unit (S38).

If the processing for all the minimum function units in the distributed meaningful information is completed by repeatedly executing the above-described processing, the determination in step 35 becomes No. Proceed to. That is, since the incorporation process (restoration) into the meaningful information storage unit accompanying the current information distribution is completed, an “incorporation completion notification” is transmitted to the data distribution device 10 ″, and a series of processes is completed.

In the above-described example, the process of incorporating meaningful information has been described (that is, FIG. 18 shows the processing function of the meaningful information incorporating unit 20n). Because it has become
The processing for incorporating option data can also be executed in accordance with the processing steps described above. That is, in each processing step of FIG. 18, a flowchart in which “meaningful information” is read as “option data” and “meaningful information storage section” is read as “option data” is as follows.
This is a processing function of the option data incorporating unit 20p.

By performing the above-described incorporation, data for each minimum function unit is stored in the meaningful information storage unit and the option data unit, and the priority is also registered in association with the priority. Therefore, in the use terminal 20 ", the data and option data used as the meaningful information in the use terminal 20 'as the information storage source are incorporated by the restoration. In addition, when the restored information is used, each of the minimum functional units has priority. Since the degree is added, the operability is improved by estimating and using the smallest functional unit that is likely to be used as the priority is higher. Since it is used by the use terminal 20 ′ of the storage source and functions effectively under the use environment, the use terminal 20 ″ that has received the distribution can also use the terminal appropriately from the beginning.

In particular, when the user of the use terminal 20 ′ as the information storage source is the same user as the use terminal 20 ″ of the information distribution destination, a more convenient environment can be reproduced by restoration. Instead of overwriting each data,
Since the priority is added for each minimum function unit, the original data can be used.

Further, the data transmitted at the time of storage is meaningful information and configuration information of option data, and the data distributed for restoration includes option data and option data in addition to the previously stored meaningful information. Can be the main data. In other words, when using the backup / storage system for backup, there is no need to send option data or main data, and the data to be sent for storage can be made as small as possible.
Preferably, the transmission time is short.

Also, for the data storage device 10 ',
This is preferable because the communication time at the time of the storage request is shortened and the amount of data to be handled can be reduced. Furthermore, when receiving stored data from many users, option data and main data are often common to a plurality of users. In such a case, receiving and storing option data for each user is enormous. Although a storage capacity is required, one piece of common option data, main data, and the like can be stored and retained, and the information can be used when distributing, thereby reducing the storage capacity.

In order to execute the above information distribution system as a business, it is necessary to charge for storage and distribution of option data. Therefore, in this embodiment,
The timing of charging is determined to be distribution completion on condition that the actually distributed information is effectively registered in the use terminal 20 ',
Added to charge.

Specifically, the charging process is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, first, when data is received from the use terminal 20 ″ of the information restoration destination, it is determined whether or not the received data is an “incorporation completion notification” based on step 36 shown in FIG. 18 (ST40). If not, a process according to the content of the received data is executed (ST41).

When the installation completion notification is received, it is determined that the distributed information is available on the use terminal 20 ″ side, and the accounting program of the accounting processing unit 10k is executed (ST43). In the processing, the billing amount is specified based on at least the information on the user terminal / user who has delivered, the delivery date and time, the type of the delivered information, and the information of the information provider.

[0128] The billing amount can be changed, for example, according to a fixed-rate system in which a fee per one time is determined or the amount of information to be provided. Further, by creating and holding a charge table in which charges are determined for each type of meaningful information to be distributed, the charge table can be easily obtained by referring to the charge table. Furthermore, if the storage source and the restoration destination are the same use terminal or the same user, the charge amount may be determined according to the storage period. In particular, when charging based on the storage period, when the storage process is executed, it is necessary to register the storage date and time and information on the user / terminal. Such processing is performed by, for example, the charging processing unit 1 provided in the data storage device 10 '.
0k '.

[0129] Then, the accounting result is transmitted to the data distribution apparatus 10 ".
To the output device of the MM input / output unit 10d (ST4).
4), the accounting processing result is registered in the accounting information storage database 35 (ST45). It should be noted that the billing process result may be notified to each of the use terminals 20 ′ and 20 ″.

The actual fee collection from the user may be collected each time, or may be performed at regular intervals (for example, on a monthly basis) based on the billing information stored in the database.
May be collected at once. Then, the collection method may be payment by issuing an invoice, credit or bank deduction, or a certain usage fee may be collected in advance from the user by advance payment system and allocated from there. . Further, when the terminal to be used is a mobile phone or the like, it can be collected together with the telephone charge.

[0131] Further, as the usage mode of the present embodiment, either the storage / restoration between a plurality of use terminals owned by the same person or the storage / restoration of meaningful information held by another person can be adopted. Then, in the case of restoring meaningful information from a third party, a predetermined consideration may be paid as a provision fee to the user of the information storage source.

In some cases, a user may be an information storage source and another time, an information restoration destination. In such cases, provide (keep) meaningful information created by you.
Can be given a point when it is distributed to a third party, and other meaningful information can be distributed within the point.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described with reference to an actual example. For example, assuming a kana-kanji conversion dictionary used in a Japanese processing system, the application software referred to in FIG. 5 is a word processor or other various applications for inputting Japanese. Then, the use purpose auxiliary software becomes a Japanese processing system (Kana-Kanji conversion system), and the Kana-Kanji conversion dictionary becomes a Kana-Kanji conversion dictionary registered in the main data section 23b, option data section 23c and user data section 23e shown in FIG. .

In this case, the minimum functional unit is candidate information including “reading”, “candidate for reading”, and “part of speech”. A priority is set to each candidate information as an initial value, and the value changes according to the use history. That is, the priority in this example is like a frequency, and the value increases as it is used.

FIG. 20 shows an example of the minimum function unit registered in each data section. That is,
As is apparent from a comparison between FIG. 15 and FIG. 20, the main data section 23b has the system dictionary and the option data section 23.
c is a specialized dictionary that supports a system dictionary such as a personal name dictionary, and the user data section 23e is a user registration dictionary that allows the user to freely register.

First, as shown in FIG. 20, a standard system dictionary is registered in the main data section 23b in minimum function units, and is registered in the learning information section 23d in association with the priority of each minimum function unit. The specialized dictionary is registered in the option data section 23c in the minimum function unit, and the priorities of the minimum function units are registered in the learning information section 23d in association with each other. The user data section (user registration dictionary section) 23e serving as a meaningful information storage section is registered for each minimum function unit according to the use of the user.

Of these, each learning unit 23d (learning information unit), which is unique holding information generated with the use of the use terminal.
And the meaning information of the user registration dictionary unit 23e (user data unit) is transmitted to the data storage device 10 'in advance and registered in the meaning information storage database 10a. Then, if the dictionary data is subsequently destroyed or the learning information is initialized, a request for restoration is made to the data distribution device 10 ″ to receive and restore the stored data distribution, It is possible to return to the state of the dictionary at the time of the storage processing, and when another use terminal is used, a request for restoration is made to the data distribution apparatus 10 ″, thereby receiving and restoring the distribution of the stored data. The dictionary can be set to the state of the dictionary at the time of storage processing from the beginning of use of the terminal.

At the time of the above-mentioned restoration, meaningful information of all the corresponding minimum function units is distributed from the data distribution device 10 ″ to the use terminal 20 ″ of the information restoration destination. The use terminal 20 ″ performs the flowchart shown in FIG. 17 on the received meaningful information, and determines whether or not the minimum function unit satisfies the additional condition to the learning information unit 23d or the user data unit 23e as the meaningful information storage unit Are sequentially determined, and those that match are registered, and registration in the option data section is performed in the same manner.

In the case of the above-described restoration processing associated with the destruction of the dictionary data, since nothing is registered in the user data section 23e or the like, the determination in step 33 is all No. Therefore, the main data section (system dictionary) 23b
Then, it is determined whether or not the same minimum functional unit having a high priority exists, and if it does not exist, it is registered in the user data section as satisfying the additional condition. In the above three examples, none of them has the same minimum functional unit, so that they are additionally registered as they are. It should be noted that the determination as to whether or not they are the same is made based on complete coincidence.

As a result, when the incorporation of the distributed data is completed, as shown in FIG. 20, the meaning is associated with the user data section (user registration dictionary section) 23e for each minimum function unit. Stored (returned to the state at the time of storage).

Furthermore, since each dictionary registered in this way is composed of the minimum function unit, each dictionary is integrated to generate one dictionary, and data access at the time of actual kana-kanji conversion is performed. Alternatively, a search may be performed with respect to one integrated dictionary. Then, at the time of this integration process, the “reading (kana)” is compared for each minimum function unit, and stored in the order of reading. Furthermore, when a homonym exists, the one with the higher priority is placed before. As a result, updated data as shown in FIG. 21 is generated.

Although not specifically shown, FIG.
In the state shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that one of the minimum functional units delivered as further user data includes data of “Ainu noun (priority n)”. At this time, if the priority is “1”, the same minimum function unit is already registered in the main data unit (system dictionary), and the priority associated with the minimum function unit registered in the main data unit 23b is Since it is “2”, the priority of the distributed one is low. Therefore, in this case, the distributed minimum function unit “Ainu Ainu Noun (priority 1)” is not added.

If the distributed priority n is 3 or more, the result of the determination in step 37 is “Yes”, and the distributed minimum function unit “ainu Ainu noun (priority n)” is added. You. In this case, the original system dictionary “Ainu Ainu Noun (priority 2)” is not deleted in the present embodiment. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 21, when integrating a plurality of dictionaries, if there is user registration dictionary data that is distribution data of meaningful information and system dictionary data having the same minimum function unit, By constructing a dictionary using only those having a higher priority, only one of the integrated dictionaries to be searched can be present. Of course, coexistence is also possible.

Although not specifically shown, for example, an integration process as shown in FIG. 21 may be performed in conjunction with the installation process. Further, in the present embodiment, the comparison between the distributed minimum function unit and the already registered data is performed on the main data section 23b and the meaningful information storage section, but the present invention is not limited to this. , Meaningless information storage section only, or conversely, option data section 23
If the same minimum function unit having a high priority has already been registered in the user data section 23e,
It may not be added to the meaningful information storage unit.

Next, an example in which the user terminal 20 stores a user dictionary with a personal computer will be described. When personal computer (computer) is damaged or data is destroyed, dictionary data such as character input support software is destroyed,
You may lose data you have learned and registered.
In order to prevent this, the user-specific dictionary that has been learned and registered is stored in the storage server, so that even if such a trouble occurs, it can be recovered.

That is, FIG. 22 shows a user dictionary storage utility of character input support software on a personal computer. By using this program, a dictionary to be stored is selected, and when "storage start" is clicked, the selected dictionary data is sent to the data storage device 10 '. During this storage, the screen shown in FIG. 23 is displayed on the monitor of the personal computer as the use terminal 10 '. When the storage process is completed, a storage completion notification screen as shown in FIG. 24 is displayed to notify that all the dictionaries have been stored.

On the other hand, an example of restoring a user dictionary is shown below.
It looks like this: That is, for example, it is assumed that when text is created using character input support software, data that has been used up to now is lost due to a system trouble or the like. In such a case, the lost data can be recovered by restoring the previously stored dictionary data from the dictionary storage server (data distribution device 10 ″).

More specifically, FIG. 25 shows a state in which the candidate "Cao", which was previously registered and used as a word, cannot be converted due to a system trouble. In such a case, a restoration request is made using the dictionary restoration function of the character input support software. In the present embodiment, a restoration request button "restore" is incorporated in the toolbar, and when this "restore" part is clicked, a selection dialog (dictionary list) for a restoration request as shown in FIG. 26 is displayed. .

Then, by selecting a dictionary to be restored from the “dictionary list” list shown in FIG. 26 and clicking a “dictionary restoration start” button, a restoration request can be made to the distribution server. . When changing the host (data distribution device 10 ″) in which the dictionary displayed in the dictionary list exists, by clicking “host” in the state shown in FIG. 26, the display screen shown in FIG. 27 is displayed. By switching and further clicking "change dictionary host", a change screen (not shown) is displayed, and the update process is permitted.

On the other hand, in the state shown in FIG. 26, when the “dictionary restoration start” button is clicked, restoration is started (delivery request). Along with this, the restored data is delivered from the data delivery device 10 ″. During this delivery, the dictionary receiving screen shown in FIG. 28 is displayed. When the restoration is completed, the restoration completed screen shown in FIG. 29 is displayed. (Reception completion screen)
Is displayed, and the restored dictionary can be used.

As a result, after that, the shared dictionary can be used. For example, when the kanji conversion process is performed by inputting “so-so” and kana, as shown in FIG.
Can be converted.

In addition to the display of the "restoration completion screen (reception completion screen)" shown in FIG. 29, the use terminal 20 "issues an incorporation completion notification to the data distribution apparatus 10" in the background. Then, on the data distribution device 10 ″ side receiving the incorporation completion notification, a predetermined accounting process is performed, and a restoration completion report as shown in FIG. 31, for example, is output to the display device of the data distribution device 10 ″. .

When the data storage device 10 'completes the storage process, the display device of the data storage device 10' displays, for example, FIG.
A storage completion report as shown in FIG. 2 is output. In any case of the above-mentioned storage and restoration completion, the billing information is registered in the billing information storage database 35 together with this display.

Next, an example in which the terminal used is a mobile phone will be described. In a mobile phone, a user dictionary or a learning result that has been used may be lost due to a breakage of a device, a change in a carrier, a change in a used model (replacement), or the like.
For this reason, after a certain amount of learning has been performed, or after a certain period of time, a notification from the user terminal, a notification from the vendor, or the storage of the user dictionary or the learning result according to the user's (user's) intention is stored. Be able to do it.

Specifically, in the dictionary storage menu, the date when the dictionary was stored last time is displayed on the liquid crystal display as the output device of the MM input / output unit 20d as shown in FIG. Can be performed. That is,
By operating the numeric keypad which is the MM input / output unit 20d and pressing "1" to select, the dictionary is stored. The dictionaries to be stored here include not only word dictionaries but also various types such as e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, and transmitted / received e-mail data.

When the storage processing is completed in the data storage device 10 ', a confirmation message indicating that "the dictionary has been stored" is displayed on the liquid crystal display of the portable telephone as shown in FIG.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
By writing e-mail and the like, and when learning information increases, a message prompting storage of a dictionary is output from the mobile phone itself. When storage is selected (pressing a predetermined dial button) in this state, the above-described menu screen shown in FIG. 33 is displayed. When start of storage is selected here, storage processing starts.

Also, regardless of the amount of increase in the learning information as described above, a message as shown in FIG. 36 is output and displayed after a certain period of time due to the regular storage schedule, so as to prompt the storage of the dictionary. You can also. Again,
When storage is selected (pressing a predetermined dial button) in this state, the above-described menu screen shown in FIG. 33 is displayed, and when the start of storage is selected here, the storage processing starts.

On the other hand, in the case of restoring a dictionary, a dictionary restoring menu on a mobile phone as shown in FIG. 37 is displayed. The dictionary restoration menu includes a menu for displaying the date and time of last storage and for requesting a restoration. At this time, by operating the numeric keypad which is the MM input / output unit 20d and pressing "1" to select, the dictionary is stored.

Then, when the distribution process from the data distribution device 10 ″ is completed and the dictionary in the mobile phone is restored, the message “Dictionary has been restored” is displayed on the liquid crystal display of the mobile phone as shown in FIG. Confirmation message is displayed.

Although not shown, the screen before the dictionary storage menu shown in FIG. 33 and the dictionary restoration menu shown in FIG. 37 further includes a menu screen for selecting one of the menus.

Furthermore, the dictionary to be stored or distributed is distributed with a priority assigned to each of the minimum functional units as in the above-described embodiments. (Mobile phone) It is added to and incorporated into the existing dictionary on the 20 ″ side.

FIG. 39 shows still another restoration example. In the illustrated example, the postal code dictionary stored in a certain use terminal is restored, and the postal code conversion is performed using the dictionary, thereby saving the input.

Also in this postal code dictionary, each address is a minimum functional unit and is given a priority. Therefore, each time the address is used, an address frequently used even with the same postal code is displayed first. If you keep a postal code dictionary that has already been used and its priority has been updated, the more frequently used postal codes are displayed even in the same postal code, so that they are displayed in order of relative ease of use. can do. Therefore, by storing such an easy-to-use dictionary, data may be destroyed later,
When a restoration request is made when the user wants to use the postal code at another terminal, the postal code dictionary can be converted into an easy-to-use postal code dictionary when stored.

FIGS. 40 to 42 show an example in which English words are applied as dictionaries to be processed in the information storage / restoration system. In other words, applying this system,
By sharing a storage type English word dictionary, words can be easily input for each purpose.

Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 40, when an English word "John" is inputted, when a word starting from the character is displayed as a conversion candidate,
Since each English word is given a priority as the minimum function unit, it is displayed from the top in the descending order of the priority. Some of the English words displayed in the figure are initially incorporated as system dictionaries, while other meaningful information is added by restoration accompanying distribution.

FIG. 41 shows an example in which conversion candidates when "T" is input are first displayed in a conversion method in which candidates are limited for each key input. It is assumed that the movie actor dictionary has been restored before this processing.
Then, a priority is assigned to each personal name, which is the minimum functional unit received, and the distributed restored data (movie actor dictionary) has a higher priority due to the actual use of the information storage source terminal. Is set. Therefore, as shown in the figure, among English words preceded by "T", those of movie actors are displayed at the top of the conversion candidates.

In such a system in which the candidates are limited for each key input, the candidates are searched not only from the beginning but also from the middle of the family name as shown in FIG. It can also be applied to those that are displayed.

In the example shown in the figure, when distribution (restoration) of various personal name dictionaries, such as, for example, officer directory dictionary data of a company or an employee list of a certain company (such as those internally disclosed on an intranet) is received, An example is shown in which the name of the person who received the distribution has a higher priority and is displayed at a higher rank.

[0170]

As described above, according to the present invention, local data is composed of one or a plurality of minimum function units, and priority is added to each minimum function unit. It is easy to use because it can be integrated with the existing data at the restoration destination by extracting from the minimum and distributing it to the specified terminal and restoring it for each minimum function unit and adding priority to it Can be rebuilt. Moreover, the workability is improved by distributing the option data including the option data without downloading the option data itself when storing the option data.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system (particularly, an information storage system) to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a system (particularly an information restoration system) on which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the information storage system.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the information restoration system.

FIG. 5 is a software configuration diagram showing an example of the inside of a use terminal.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of use purpose auxiliary software.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a preferred embodiment of an information storage system and an information restoration system according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a preferred embodiment of an information storage system and an information restoration system according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a data storage / distribution device.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a use terminal.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a main configuration for implementing an information storage system according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a main configuration for implementing an information restoration system according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of meaningful information to be saved / restored according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change history of registered contents of meaningful information.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of information held in a use terminal.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of an embodiment of an information storage system according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of an embodiment of an information restoration system according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a meaningful information incorporation processing function.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a billing process function in the data distribution device.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of information held in a usage terminal according to a specific example.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a process of generating one dictionary by integrating a plurality of dictionaries.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen on the use terminal side according to a specific example.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen during storage on the use terminal side according to a specific example.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen after completion of storage on the use terminal side according to a specific example.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of using a dictionary before restoration.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen for a restoration process on the use terminal side according to a specific example.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen for a restoration process on the use terminal side according to a specific example.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen during restoration on the use terminal side according to a specific example.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen after completion of storage on the use terminal side according to a specific example.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating an example of using a dictionary after restoration is completed.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output screen on the data distribution device side after restoration is completed.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of an output screen on the data storage device side after storage is completed.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on the use terminal side according to an example applied to a mobile phone as a use terminal.

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen on the use terminal side according to an example applied to a mobile phone as the use terminal.

FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen on the use terminal side according to an example applied to a mobile phone as the use terminal.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on the use terminal side according to an example applied to a mobile phone as a use terminal.

FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen on the use terminal side according to an example applied to a mobile phone as the use terminal.

FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen on the use terminal side according to an example applied to a mobile phone as the use terminal.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing still another sharing example.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example in which a shared dictionary is applied to English.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an example in which a shared dictionary is applied to English.

FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a shared dictionary is applied to English.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 Data storage / distribution device 10 'Data storage device 10 "Data distribution device 10a Meaningful information storage database 10b Communication unit 10c User authentication unit 10d MM input / output unit 10e Operation unit 10f Database management unit 10g Program unit 10i Meaningful information storage unit 10j Option data configuration information storage unit 10k, 10k 'Billing processing unit 10m Restoration information search unit 10n Option data configuration information analysis unit 10p Meaningful information extraction unit 10q Option data extraction unit 20 User terminal 20' User terminal (information storage source) 20 ″ Usage terminal (information restoration destination) 20a meaningful information storage database 20b communication unit 20c user authentication unit 20d MM input / output unit 20e arithmetic unit 20f database management unit 20g program unit 20h meaningful information storage request unit 20i meaningful Report search unit 20j option data configuration information search unit 20k meaningful information extraction unit 20L option data configuration information extraction unit 20m meaningful information restoration request unit 20n meaningful information embedding unit 20p option data embedding unit 21 operating system (OS) 22a, 22b Application software 23 Use purpose auxiliary software 23a Use purpose auxiliary software drive unit 23b, 23b 'Main data unit 23c, 23c' Optional data unit 23d, 23d 'Learning information unit 23e, 23e' User data unit 23f Configuration information unit 24 Communication interface 25 I / O device 30 Communication network 31 Electronic medium 35 Charging information storage database

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor: Adult Tanaka, 606 Kisayabashi-dori, Nishi-Doin-in, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Omron Software Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor: Atsushi Shimizu, Kyoto, Kyoto 801 Shimoji-dori Horikawa-Higashi-iri Minami-Fudo-cho, OMRON Corporation (72) Inventor Toru Takenobu 801 Shimo-ji-Dori Hori-gawa Higashi-iri Minami-Fudo-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture F-term (reference) 5B009 ME21 SA11 5B075 NR02 NR20 5B082 DE06 HA05 HA08

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. Storage of local data in response to a storage request from a user terminal that includes main data and includes an option data that assists the main data and a database that allows the incorporation of local data unique to the user terminal. The local data is composed of one or a plurality of minimum function units, a priority is added to the minimum function unit, and the local data is transmitted together with a storage request from the use terminal. An information storage server comprising: a storage unit that obtains the local data and the configuration information of the option data and stores the obtained configuration data in a storage database. 2. An information storage server, comprising: charging processing means for performing predetermined charging processing when storage processing in the storage database by the storage means is completed. 3. A user terminal comprising: main data; option data for assisting the main data; and a database for permitting the incorporation of local data unique to the user terminal. A local data extracting unit configured to extract predetermined local data stored in the database; and a configuration information of the option data. A use terminal comprising: a configuration information extracting unit to be extracted; a local data extracting unit; and a unit for supplying the local data and the configuration information extracted by the configuration information extracting unit to an information storage server. . 4. The information storage server according to claim 1 or 2, and the use terminal according to claim 3, wherein the local terminal acquired according to a storage request sent from the use terminal to the information storage server. An information storage system, wherein data and the configuration information are stored and stored in the information storage database. 5. A storage database which includes main data and which is provided with option data for assisting the main data and a restoration request from a user terminal provided with a database permitting the incorporation of local data unique to the user terminal. An information distribution server that distributes the predetermined information to the use terminal, wherein the local data includes one or a plurality of minimum function units, and a priority is added to the minimum function unit. The storage database includes local data stored in accordance with a storage request from a certain terminal and configuration information of option data, and option data is stored and held.In accordance with a restoration request from the terminal, Means for extracting the local data stored in a storage database; Means for determining necessary option data from the configuration information stored in the database, extracting the determined option data from the storage database, and supplying the extracted local data and the option data to the use terminal. An information distribution server, comprising: 6. The information distribution server according to claim 5, wherein the storage database also stores and holds main data, and has a function of distributing the main data at the time of the distribution. 7. The information according to claim 5, further comprising a billing processing unit that executes the billing process by regarding the completion of the distribution by receiving the installation completion information sent from the use terminal. Delivery server. 8. A user terminal comprising: main data; option data for assisting the main data; and a database for permitting the incorporation of local data unique to the user terminal. A restoration request unit configured to issue a request for restoring predetermined local data to the information distribution server, wherein the restoration function unit is configured with a minimum function unit, and a priority is added to the minimum function unit. A usage terminal having a function of acquiring the local data and the option data supplied from an information distribution server, and incorporating the acquired data into the database in consideration of the priority. 9. The embedding taking into account the priority is determined for each of the minimum function units, and when the same minimum function unit as the distributed minimum processing unit is registered in the database, 9. The use terminal according to claim 8, further comprising a process of registering the minimum function unit distributed on condition that the priority is high in the database. 10. An information distribution server according to claim 5, further comprising a use terminal according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the restoration is sent from the use terminal to the information distribution server. According to the request, the information distribution server distributes predetermined option data and local data to the use terminal, and the received use terminal stores the received data in its own database. Characteristic information restoration system. 11. A storage method in an information storage server, comprising: integration of option data that includes main data and assists the main data; and includes one or a plurality of minimum function units. Is a processing terminal that receives the configuration information of the option data and the local data from a user terminal having a database that allows the incorporation of the local data to which the priority is added, and the received configuration information and the local data. Storing the information in a storage database. 12. A restoring method in an information distribution server, the method comprising: incorporating optional data that includes main data and assists the main data; and includes one or a plurality of minimum function units. Is a processing step of receiving a restoration request from a user terminal having a database that allows the incorporation of local data with priority added, and storing the data in accordance with a storage request from a certain user terminal in response to receiving the restoration request. A processing step of accessing a storage database in which local data and option data are provided and storing the option data, and extracting the local data stored in the storage database; storing in the storage database Required options from the configuration information And a step of determining the option data, extracting the determined option data from the storage database, and supplying the extracted local data and the option data to the user terminal. Method. 13. A computer which includes main data and records restoration data for distributing to a user terminal having a database which allows the incorporation of option data for assisting the main data and the incorporation of local data. A possible information recording medium, wherein the restoration data includes option data generated according to configuration information and the local data, wherein the local data includes one or a plurality of minimum function units, An information recording medium characterized by being stored in a state where a priority is added for each unit. 14. The option data and the local data to be delivered to a user terminal including a main data and having a database that allows the incorporation of the optional data to assist the main data and the incorporation of the local data. The local data is constructed by one or a plurality of minimum function units, a priority is added to each of the minimum function units, and the local data is constituted by computer-processable software data. Characteristic data.